Faith in Democracy
Franciscans are called to continuous conversion, not only to change themselves but also to be agents of change in the larger community. We read the signs of the times, critique abuses of power, and follow an ethic based on the inviolable dignity of all people, recognizing each sister and brother as a gift from God.
See below to join FAN’s work for the peaceful operation of American democracy and broad voter participation.
Faith in Democracy: Facing the Challenges of 2026
What is Faith in Democracy?
Faith in Democracy is an annual interfaith event that brings people of various faiths together to pray for our nation and reflect on the sacred call to resolve differences with peace and respect.
Poll Chaplains and Poll Workers:
FAN has partnered with Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD) to recruit poll chaplains. The poll chaplaincy program includes a de-escalation training and is being held outside polling places to ensure peaceful proceedings in the following states: AZ, GA, MI, NC, OH, PA, TX, VA, and WI. Contact mdunne@franciscanaction.org with the subject line “Interested in Poll Chaplains” to be provided with a link to sign up as a poll chaplain application for your state.
The poll workers program is available to US citizens in all 50 states. This program is more “hands-on” as poll workers will be volunteering their time inside the polling place and have civic training in addition to a FAN-provided de-escalation training. Contact rchristian@franciscanaction.org with the subject line “Interested in Poll Working” to be provided with a poll worker application for your state.
Our network has responded enthusiastically to our calls for people of faith to do service for our democracy, which we believe will increase interfaith unity, public trust in elections, and voters’ sense of safety and joy in civic participation.
Prayer for Civility
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where uncivil words prevail, show me how to model love.
Help me remember the God-given dignity of all and invite others to do the same.
Show me how to build bridges and not walls and see first what unites us rather than how we diverge.
Let me seek to understand before asking to be understood.
Give me a listening heart filled with empathy and compassion.
May I be clear in sharing my own position and respectful and civil in describing those of others.
Let me never tolerate hateful ideas. May I invite all to charity and love.
Lord, help me to imitate your compassion and mercy. Make me an instrument of your peace.
Amen.
(Prayer-for-Civility Inspired by Nine Rules for Civility from the Catholic Tradition, by Bishop Zubik. Copyright © 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)